Best Android VPN apps for 2025
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With more and more of our lives happening online, smartphones have become an essential component of our daily routines. Whether you’re shopping, banking, or socializing – everything can be tracked online, even on Androids. This information can then be used by third-parties profiting off your data or your ISP to slow down your internet speed. An easy way to increase online privacy and security of your Android smartphone is to start using a VPN.
At Cybernews, we have over 5 years of experience testing VPN services, so we know what makes a great VPN app. To make your search for a reliable VPN easier, together with our research team, I tested both free and paid Android VPN apps, and summarized the results of our research below.
Our top-tested VPNs for Android
- NordVPN – best VPN for Android in 2025 overall
- Surfshark – cheapest VPN for Android
- Proton VPN – free Android VPN with focus on privacy
- IPVanish – reliable Android VPN with unlimited connections
- ExpressVPN – premium VPN for Android
- Hide.me – basic free VPN for Android
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
What is the best VPN to use on Android?
Based on our research and user reviews, NordVPN is considered to be one of the best VPNs to use on Android. With 7400+ servers across 118 countries, strong encryption, and a user-friendly app, NordVPN is ideal for Android users. Most importantly, during our in-house tests, it easily bypassed geo-restrictions and unblocked international content.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, Surfshark offers an affordable VPN service without compromising on app performance and overall speeds. Proton VPN is another excellent choice for those looking for a free option, which doesn’t compromise on privacy.
Here’s a short overview of the best VPNs for Android.
| NordVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| Security | AES-256 encryption | AES-256 encryption | AES-256 encryption |
| Free version | Yes, 7-day free trial | Yes, 7-day free trial | Yes |
| Speed retention rate | 90% | 86% | 85% |
| Server locations | 7400+ servers in 118 countries | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | 12000+ servers in117countries |
| Supported Android versions | Android 7.0 or above | Android 5.0 or above | Android 8.0 or above |
| Starting price | From $3.09/month | From $1.99/month | From $3.59/month |
In-depth reviews: our VPN recommendations for Android
If you’re looking for an Android VPN to protect you from tracking, stop ISP throttling, unblock geo-restricted content, and keep your online activities private, check out our top VPN options with their specifications compared side by side.
1. NordVPN – overall best VPN for Android for 2025
| Rating: | |
| Supported platforms: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Servers: | 7400+ servers in 118 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Current deal: | Get 77% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
Why I chose NordVPN
After days of in-house testing, I have concluded that NordVPN is the best VPN for Android. It showed excellent results in our speed tests, demonstrating an average download speed of 468.2Mbps against the 500Mbps baseline. Also, it unblocked every major streaming platform, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, with little to no buffering. Moreover, our DNS and IP leak tests showed no indication of data leaks on Android, further confirming that NordVPN is highly reliable.
My experience with NordVPN
With over 7400 servers in 118 countries, it’s no wonder why NordVPN easily unblocks geo-restricted content. Its obfuscated servers are particularly useful when trying to bypass geo-restrictions. Although, during our tests, it showed slightly slower speeds – nothing you would notice in practice though. In addition, NordVPN has quite a few specialty servers, including P2P, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN, although, in my experience, the latter is not as reliable.
I was most impressed with the fact that NordVPN maintains excellent speeds no matter what you’re doing. Our NordVPN review showed that on average NordVPN retains around 94% of the original internet download speeds. This is an impressive result – it means you won’t even notice that you’re connected to a VPN. I’d say that NordVPN had the smoothest app out of all the ones I tested for Android.
Another aspect that makes NordVPN great for Android devices is the abundance of practical features. This includes split tunneling, which allows you to select which apps use the VPN connection. Another particularly useful feature is Meshnet. However, I ran into some speed issues when using it on older devices. I also tested its DNS leak protection feature and found it works as intended – no DNS leaks were detected with any of the NordVPN connections.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed that one of NordVPN’s best features, Threat Protection Pro, is unavailable on Android devices. So, if you’re looking for an app with strong anti-malware capabilities on Android, NordVPN may not be the best option. Instead, I’d recommend Surfshark whose malicious ad blocker, CleanWeb, is supported on Android devices.
Nonetheless, I appreciate that NordVPN is committed to privacy. It has undergone five third-party audits, the latest one in 2024, performed by Deloitte, one of the largest audit companies in the world. Once again confirming that it follows a strict no-logs policy.
Last but not least, NordVPN has an intuitive app for Android. It’s modern and easy to navigate just like its desktop counterpart. I appreciated that the majority of NordVPN’s features are available on the app. You can even check your current VPN connection streak in the statistics section.
Who should pick NordVPN
With impeccable speed and overall performance, NordVPN is ideal for those who regularly watch TV shows and movies on their Android devices. For a reasonable price of $3.09/month, you’ll get a robust VPN plus a comprehensive cybersecurity suite on your Android.
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for Android
| Rating: | |
| Supported platforms: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Servers: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Why I chose Surfshark
Surfshark is another one of my favorite VPNs. It’s cheap, reliable, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Our in-house tests showed that despite its low price, Surfshark retains more than 90% of the original internet speed. When our research team and I tested Surfshark’s Android app capabilities, we were happy to confirm that it easily unblocks geo-restricted content without compromising overall performance.
My experience with Surfshark
Surfshark has an impressive list of 3200+ servers in 100 countries. While it’s significantly smaller than that of NordVPN, it’s more than enough to unblock major streaming platforms without any issues.
Like NordVPN, Surfshark lets you choose from several specialty servers, including P2P, obfuscated, static, and dedicated IP. I liked that Surfshark’s Multihop feature, which is a type of double VPN, can be customized, unlike NordVPN's double VPN.
Speed-wise, Surfshark is on par with NordVPN. During our Surfshark review, we found that its average internet download speed is 462.7Mbps, with a baseline of 500Mbps. This is a great result, showing that Surfshark retains around 92% of the original internet speed on Android.
As for features, Surfshark doesn’t hold back. All of Surfshark's features are available on the Android app. This makes it the only VPN on this list that offers its full feature list on Android. I also appreciated that CleanWeb, Sursfhark’s ad blocker, was available on the Android app, unlike NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro.
In addition, Surfshark has features exclusive to Android devices, including GPS override and small packets. I found GPS override the most useful as it greatly increases your chances of bypassing geo-restrictions, even with platforms that use advanced technology to detect VPN usage. Small packets is a feature you can enable in Settings. It reduces the size of transmitted packets, which can improve speed, stability, and overall performance.
Who should pick Surfshark
At just $1.99/month, Surfshark is the top pick for anyone who wants to protect an unlimited number of devices with one subscription without spending too much. In addition, its GPS override feature makes it a great VPN for streaming on Android.
3. Proton VPN – free Android VPN with advanced privacy features
| Rating: | |
| Supported platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Servers: | 12000+ servers in 117 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Current deal: | Get up to 64% OFF Proton VPN |
Why I chose Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a favorite among privacy-conscious users, and for good reason. It's secured with AES-256 encryption, Secure Core servers, and a third-party verified no-logs policy. Most importantly, Proton VPN aims to provide private and secure internet access to everyone with its free version. Our tests have shown that Proton VPN offers the best free version out of all the VPNs we have tested, providing all of the basic functionalities of a VPN without compromising on security.
My experience with Proton VPN
With a massive server network of over 12000 servers in 117 countries, Proton VPN offers the largest selection of server locations on this list. However, its free version is limited to servers in 5 countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the US. The title of the highest server count overall is reserved for Private Internet Access (PIA); however, it didn’t make our best VPN for Android list.
All of Proton VPN’s servers are P2P-optimized, plus there are several specialty servers, including Tor over VPN, double VPN, and Stealth, a proprietary VPN protocol that serves as obfuscation.
Features-wise, Proton VPN is oriented around enhancing privacy. It includes all of the essential VPN features and is one of the few VPNs that supports port forwarding, but it’s only available on Windows and Linux devices.
I liked NetShield, Proton VPN’s ad blocker. It’s enabled by default and blocks ads, trackers, and even malware. NetShield has three levels of protection: Don’t block, Block malware only, and Block malware, ads & trackers. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to block YouTube ads on Android, even with the highest level of protection.
When it comes to speed, Proton VPN doesn’t disappoint. Our in-house testing showed that its internet download speeds average 438Mbps against the 500Mbps baseline. While not as speedy as NordVPN or Surfshark on paper, you’ll hardly feel the difference in practice.
The Android app isn’t as visually pleasing as NordVPN or Surfshark, but it does its job. I had no issues navigating the app, finding specialized servers, or modifying the settings.
Who should pick Proton VPN
If you’re concerned about privacy but have a tight budget, Proton VPN is the best free and reliable VPN for your Android. The provider’s free version will cover all of your basic privacy needs.
4. IPVanish – basic VPN for Android with unlimited devices
| Rating: | |
| Supported platforms: | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Servers: | 2400+ servers in 109 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
Why I chose IPVanish
With industry-standard AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, IPVanish is an affordable Android VPN with basic functionalities. It doesn’t offer many additional features, but it will add an extra layer of security to your Android smartphone.
My experience with IPVanish
IPVanish has 2400+ servers across 109 countries, which is a rather small server network compared to giants like NordVPN or Proton VPN. Nonetheless, this doesn’t stop IPVanish from unblocking most streaming sites and doing so with minimal speed loss.
Our IPVanish speed tests showed that it retains around 80% of the original internet speed. This means you can watch your favorite TV shows on Android with virtually no interruptions.
As for features, IPVanish takes a laid-back approach. It includes VPN essentials like auto-connect, a kill switch, and split tunneling. You can also connect to double VPN and obfuscated servers. I liked its unique On Demand feature, which allows you to set rules for your VPN connection, giving you more control over your VPN on Android.
IPVanish also has Threat Protection, which is actually part of the Android app. During our tests, it performed quite well, blocking malicious websites and stopping invasive trackers.
When it comes to usability, the IPVanish Android app is clean and easy to use. All of the features are available on the Android app, which is a plus. I appreciated that IPVanish supports Android version 5.1 and up, meaning you can also secure older Android devices.
Who should pick IPVanish
At just $2.19/month, IPVanish is perfect for those who need basic protection without extra privacy features like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN.
5. ExpressVPN – highly secure VPN for Android
| Rating: | |
| Supported platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Servers: | Undisclosed number servers in 105 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 8 |
| Current deal: | Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
Why I chose ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN that provides high-quality protection along with an online security suite. It employs the industry-standard AES-256 encryption algorithm, unblocks geo-restricted content, and has passed our DNS leak tests with gold stars.
My experience with ExpressVPN
Unlike every other VPN on this list, ExpressVPN doesn’t disclose the exact number of servers it has. However, we know that these servers span across 105 countries, and from my experience, there are plenty of servers to go around, so you don’t have to worry about server congestion.
Our ExpressVPN speed test has shown that ExpressVPN retains 77% of the initial internet speed, which is on par with our top rated VPNs. Its proprietary Lightway protocol generally provides the fastest speeds and it’s available on Android devices.
ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers that remove all data upon every reboot – adding an additional layer of security to your sensitive information. Unlike NordVPN and other providers on this list, ExpressVPN doesn’t have specialty servers, which I found a bit disappointing, especially considering the premium price.
Despite this, ExpressVPN makes up for it with a cybersecurity suite that includes a password manager, ad and tracker blocker, parental controls, and identity protection tools. It even includes an eSIM with every new purchase, adding even more value to having ExpressVPN on your Android.
In terms of user interface, the apps are modern and easy to use across all devices, Android included. All of the features are available on the Android app; however, there are no Android-exclusive features.
ExpressVPN has claimed the title of king of independent audits. Since its inception in 2009, ExpressVPN has undergone 19 third-party audits, with the latest one announced in 2025.
Who should pick ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an Android-friendly VPN with advanced security features. Starting at $4.99/month, it’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive cybersecurity package and don’t have budget constraints.
6. Hide.me – reliable and minimalist free Android VPN
| Rating: | |
| Supported platforms: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS |
| Servers: | Undisclosed number of servers in 5 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 1 |
| Current deal: | Get Hide Me VPN, now 80% OFF + 2 months FREE |
Why I chose Hide.me
Hide.me is a safe free Android VPN that prioritises user privacy and anonymity. While its free version is limited, allowing you to choose from only 8 server locations, it ensures DNS leak protection and reliable kill switch.
My experience with Hide.me
Hide.me has an average server fleet that consists of 2000 servers in 91 countries. However, with its free version I was limited to 8 server locations.
During our Hide.me speed testing, it retained 60% of the initial internet speed. This VPN is capable of unblocking streaming platforms that other providers struggle with, has no buffering issues, and works well with torrenting.
In terms of features, as a free VPN, Hide.me has a lot to offer. They include a kill switch, split tunnelling, unlimited bandwidth, and let you enjoy the internet without ads.
Hide.me Android version’s user interface is minimalistic, so most of the prompts are borrowed default Android elements. Despite Hide.me not having the most modern and attractive design, the provider is good at preserving resources. Though, the Android app could use some improvement.
Since closing the app disconnects you from VPN and there’s no icon in the notification bar indicating whether you’re connected, I found using the app to be a frustrating experience. Each time I had to open the app and minimize it to check my connection status. Therefore, as a user I would appreciate improvements toward a more user-friendly experience.
What I appreciate as a user is Hide.me VPN’s focus on transparency. Hide.me was independently audited in 2024 by Securitum, which approved its no-log policy compliance.
Who should pick Hide.me
As a free VPN, Hide.me is a great choice for those who are on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on their privacy and anonymity. It also offers paid services, with a starting price of $2.69/month. The difference between Hide.me free and paid versions is that paid version doesn’t restrict the speed, expands server locations from 8 to 91, and allows 10 simultaneous connections instead of 1.
How we tested the best VPNs for Android
Here at Cybernews, we follow a comprehensive VPN testing process. To find the best VPNs for Androids, I started by collaborating with our research team and evaluating 41 VPNs. Then, I selected the top 5 for further testing. We tested these VPNs on Google Pixel 9, running on Android 14. Here’s what we considered:
- Speed and overall performance (25%). Our research team tested the internet download speed loss for each provider. I added the VPNs with the best results.
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Security (15%). I looked for advanced security measures such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and more. We also performed DNS and IP leak tests.
- Features (20%). Many VPNs don’t offer the same features on mobile apps. I looked for VPNs that offer the necessary features and more on Android apps.
- Geo-restricted content unblocking capabilities (15%). One of the main reasons why people use VPNs is for streaming. Our research team checked how well each VPN unblocks geo-restricted content on Android devices.
- Compatibility (10%). I selected VPNs that support the latest as well as the older Android versions.
- Plans and pricing (10%). VPNs should be accessible to everyone. I added VPNs that offer excellent price-to-value ratio.
What is an Android VPN and should I use it on my phone?
An Android VPN is an app that protects your data by encrypting your internet traffic. By encrypting your connection, a VPN provides a safe connection, when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks or browsing censored content.
You should use a VPN on your Android phone, especially if you’re concerned about privacy.
It’s particularly useful on public Wi-Fi, which is often not secured. Connecting to a VPN server before joining a public network makes it much more difficult for cybercriminals on the same network to access your sensitive information.
In addition, if you’ve noticed speed drops on your home network, your internet service provider may be throttling your internet connection. Connecting to a VPN on your Android can help you stop ISP throttling. VPN hides your internet traffic from your ISP, so it won’t be able to distinguish what you’re doing
Besides privacy and security reasons, using a VPN on your Android can help you bypass geo-restrictions. It opens the doors to international content that’s locked to a specific region, such as international Netflix libraries.
How to install a VPN on an Android phone
Before you install a VPN on your phone, you need to consider where you’ll buy your subscription. There are two options: go to Google Play and install the app first, or go to the official website and purchase the plan there. One of the main advantages of going to the app store is that you can try out the VPN service completely for free as most VPN services include a free trial for Android devices.
Please note that you’ll be subject to Google Play’s terms of service but the 30-day money-back guarantee still applies.
Do we recommend a free VPN for Android?
Using a VPN is better than using no VPN, therefore we recommend free VPN services. However, it’s important to pick a reputable and safe free VPN, such as Proton VPN or Hide.me VPN. Using a free VPN will add to your safety online, but if you want full protection, it’s better to choose a premium VPN provider. I recommend NordVPN, as it’s not only affordable but also offers exceptional security and great performance.
Conclusion
While NordVPN stands out for its comprehensive protection, other VPNs on our list, like Surfshark and Proton VPN, also offer good VPN services for Android. While Surfshark has a kills switch that works on Android devices, a feature NordVPN doesn’t provide, Proton VPN is a solid free option for those on a tight budget.
Each provider has its own strengths. Therefore, it's worth exploring alternatives to our top pick NordVPN, to find the best fit for your needs.
FAQ
How to choose the best Android VPN?
When choosing the best Android VPN consider the following: checking user and independent lab reviews, compatibility with older Android versions, intuitive Android app, and advanced security features. If your primary concern is streaming, choose a VPN with a massive server network, such as NordVPN.
What does a VPN do on Android?
A VPN on Android increases online privacy, adds an extra layer of security, and allows you to access geo-restricted content. It can even improve your internet connection if your ISP is throttling your internet speed. Plus, it’s a great way to add an additional layer of security when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
Can I use VPN on older devices?
Yes, you can use a VPN on older Android devices, such as old Samsung phones; however, it depends on the VPN service provider since not all VPN apps support older Android versions. If you have an older device, I recommend using Surfshark. It’s one of the few VPN providers that supports the oldest Android version, starting from Android 4.0 and up.
Does Samsung have built-in VPN?
No, Samsung has a Samsung Secure Wi-Fi feature, which serves as a sort of built-in VPN that encrypts some of your internet traffic. However, it doesn’t have all the functionalities of a VPN. So, if you want the benefits of using a VPN, like enhanced privacy and the ability to unblock geo-restricted content, you’ll have to go for a third-party VPN app, like NordVPN or Surfshark.
Can an Android VPN help with streaming?
Yes, using a VPN on your Android can help you unblock geo-restricted content on Netflix, Disney+, Max, and other popular streaming platforms.
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